Barclays Center and New York Islanders Discussing New Deal

Jan 19, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) reacts after scoring a short handed goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

An intriguing piece of news broke thanks to Islanders’ statistician Eric Hornick. According to Nick Kypreos, the Islanders and Barclays Center have begun negotiating a new deal.

CitiField, Belmont, and Hartford.

These are some of the locations that have been thrown around since the news circulated in December. But this week new developments have been made in regards to contract talks between Brooklyn and the Islanders.

The relationship that seemed dead on both sides was reinvigorated once more, and it’s possible both sides arrange a new deal before the initial opt-out date of January 2018.

Business Tactics

Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin have had a busy first year as Islanders owners. Since taking full control of the team, Ledecky has been spotted on numerous occasions speaking to prospective Team President’s and it even included a meeting with Fred Wilpon (New York Mets owner) and Gary Bettman (NHL commissioner).

Whether or not any ground seriously broke will remain a mystery, or it could be that fielding new arena offers were a negotiating ploy to get the Barclays Center to be more lenient on some offers. Either way, talks with the Barlcays Center have picked up regarding the future of the Islanders in Brooklyn.

It’s important to note as well that the Islanders do not have to officially re-sign with Brooklyn long-term. The clause in the contract between the two states that a new deal must be negotiated in “good-faith”.

This could be relevant to drum up conversation only to announce plans somewhere else next year. Only time will tell what Ledecky and Malkin’s intentions are, but it will be interesting to follow for the foreseeable future.

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Grew up a diehard Islanders and Mets fan based out of Northern New Jersey. Concluding my Broadcast Communications degree at William Paterson University. WP Sportsdesk member, Stan Fischler correspondent, music buff and total Star Wars freak. Follow my social media handles to learn more. Matt Di Giacomo is a Staff Writer for the Islanders on Elite Sports NY. He encourages team discussion. Tweet him @mdigiacESNY and check out his reviews on YouTube.